Image of 1936 Jaguar Ss100, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

1936 Jaguar SS100: The Quintessence of Pre-War Elegance

The 1936 Jaguar SS100 is not merely a car; it's a rolling sculpture that embodies the zenith of pre-war automotive design. Born from the ambitious vision of Sir William Lyons, co-founder of Swallow Sidecar Company, which would later become Jaguar Cars, this vehicle emerged as a beacon of British engineering and luxury. Its historical significance cannot be overstated, as it marked Jaguar's foray into producing high-performance sports cars—a legacy that continues to this day. A unique fact about the SS100 is that the "100" in its name denotes its ability to exceed 100 mph—a remarkable feat for its time.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the SS100 is a masterclass in aesthetics, with its long bonnet, sweeping fenders, and a raked windscreen that cuts through the air like a blade. The interior is equally impressive, featuring rich leather upholstery and polished wood accents that exude opulence. For its era, the SS100 was at the forefront of technological innovation, boasting features such as a synchromesh gearbox which was quite advanced for the 1930s. Color options were typically British, with deep greens and blues being popular choices among the discerning clientele. The roadster body style with its cut-down doors and foldable roof was iconic, making it the embodiment of open-air motoring elegance.

Historical Significance

The SS100's impact on automotive design was profound. It set a new standard for sports cars in terms of both performance and aesthetics. Its combination of style, speed, and affordability was unprecedented at the time and paved the way for future sports cars to follow suit. The SS100's influence can be seen in many post-war designs where elegance and performance became synonymous with sports cars.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the SS100 was nothing short of extraordinary for its time. With a top speed of around 100 mph and an acceleration from 0-60 mph in a respectable 10 seconds or so, it was one of the fastest vehicles on the road. Handling was precise for a pre-war car, with solid axles and leaf springs managing to provide a surprisingly smooth ride even on less forgiving surfaces. Driving an SS100 is an immersive experience; the roar of its 2.5-liter or optional 3.5-liter engine is music to any enthusiast's ears, while the tactile feedback from the thin steering wheel communicates every nuance of the road.

Ownership Experience

In its heyday, the SS100 was used for everything from daily driving to competitive racing. Today, it's more commonly found at shows or as part of private collections due to its rarity and value. Maintenance requires a dedicated owner with knowledge of pre-war vehicles or access to a specialist mechanic. Reliability is typical for its age; regular upkeep is essential to keep it running smoothly.

Fun Facts

The SS100 has had its share of limelight with celebrity ownerships and appearances in numerous classic car rallies over time. While not known for setting records in speed or sales when compared to modern standards, it held its own admirably in endurance events back in its prime. Criticisms are few but often point towards its less practical aspects by today's standards—such as minimal weather protection.

Collector's Information

As for collectors, acquiring an SS100 can be considered akin to finding treasure. With an estimated production number hovering around 300 units between both engine sizes (2.5-liter and 3.5-liter), they are exceedingly rare. The value range varies significantly based on condition but expect figures well into six or seven digits—with pristine examples fetching even more at auction due to their appreciating value.

Conclusion

The 1936 Jaguar SS100 is more than just another classic car; it's an artifact that captures the spirit of an era when automobiles were transitioning from mere transportation to symbols of freedom and status. Its blend of beauty, performance, and heritage continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the world—ensuring its legacy endures as one of motoring's finest achievements.

1936 Jaguar SS100 Windshield Post Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 6-1/8" long. Pair R&L-MP 799-AWindshield Post Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 6-1/8" long. Pair R&L

1936 Jaguar SS100 Fender Mirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 2-1/8" long. Each-MP 799-AAFender Mirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 2-1/8" long. Each

1936 Jaguar SS100 Headlight Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair-MP 799-BHeadlight Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair

1936 Jaguar SS100 Headlight Pads. 3" wide X 2-5/8" long. Pair-MP 799-QHeadlight Pads. 3" wide X 2-5/8" long. Pair

1936 Jaguar SS100 Tail-light pads. 3-3/4 in. W x 3-5/8 in. L. Pair.-MP 799-RTail-light pads. 3-3/4 in. W x 3-5/8 in. L. Pair.

1936 Jaguar SS100 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 799-SWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 1-5/8" long. Each

1936 Jaguar SS100 Hood Latch Pad. 2-1/4" O.D. Each-MP 799-THood Latch Pad. 2-1/4" O.D. Each

1936 Jaguar SS100 Headlight Pads. 3-7/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair-MP 799-YHeadlight Pads. 3-7/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair

1936 Jaguar SS100 Tail-light Pads. Pair-MP 799-ZTail-light Pads. Pair

1936 Jaguar SS100 Spark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part-RP 1-KSpark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part. Fits on the distributor cap end. Note: looks similar to coil boot, but is physically smaller. Replaces OEM# CO 2609. Each.